Photo by Qin Zhicheng/VCG via Getty Images
Photo by Qin Zhicheng/VCG via Getty Images
Marco Palestra is being spoken about in Italy right now following Chelsea’s defeat to Juventus on Wednesday.
The Italian started in Chelsea’s 1-0 loss to the Old Lady, their second consecutive defeat during their pre-season tour.
However, despite being on the losing side, Palestra still managed to impress the media in his homeland.
Chelsea player ratings vs Juventus
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Italian newspaper thought Marco Palestra was dangerous against Juventus
Palestra is a right-back and started there against Juventus; however, the 21-year-old was an attacking threat throughout the game.
In fact, according to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Palestra was the “most dangerous” player on the pitch.
The Italy international even came close to scoring, although he probably would have been better off passing the ball to Jamie Gittens instead of taking his shot.
Jeremie Boga of Juventus FC (L) and Marco Palestra of Chelsea FC (R)
Photo by Yu Chun Christopher Wong/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images
What Xabi Alonso does with Palestra in the upcoming season could be a big storyline at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea are not light in the right-back position, with the Club World Cup holders also possessing Reece James and Malo Gusto.
Ultimately, Alonso could have a bit of a dilemma in the right-back position. The Spaniard will not be able to get all three players into his starting XI.
Marco Palestra’s stats against Juventus
Alongside Geovany Quenda, Palestra probably was Chelsea’s most dangerous player at the Kai Tak Stadium. The two combined excellently down the right-hand side and were too much for Juventus to handle in the first half.
As per Sofascore, Palestra completed the sole dribble he attempted and also managed to deliver two crosses.
The former Atalanta man had two shots and missed one big chance. Both of his attempts were on target.
In the opposite direction, Palestra only made one defensive contribution. While he was great going forward, former Chelsea winger Jeremie Boga did really test him.
Overall, it was a very promising performance from Palestra. Chelsea fans should now be excited about what he could bring to the Premier League in the upcoming season.